System for providing a single serving of a frozen confection

ABSTRACT

A system for providing a single serving of a frozen confection, wherein the system comprises a pod comprising at least one ingredient for providing a single serving of a frozen confection; the system cools the pod; the system introduces water into the pod; the system simultaneously stirs the contents of the pod while scraping at least one wall of the pod to prevent a build-up of the frozen confection on the at least one wall of the pod; and the system ejects the frozen confection out of the pod.

REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application:

(1) is a continuation of pending prior U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/360,220, filed Mar. 21, 2019 by Sigma Phase, Corp. and Matthew Fontefor SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A SINGLE SERVING OF A FROZEN CONFECTION, whichpatent application:

(2) is a continuation of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/104,758, filed Aug. 17, 2018n now U.S. Pat. No. 10,334,868, issuedJul. 2, 2019, by Sigma Phase, Corp. and Matthew Fonte for SYSTEM FORPROVIDING A SINGLE SERVING OF A FROZEN CONFECTION, which patentapplication:

(3) is a continuation-in-part of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/625,690, filed Jun. 16, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,358,284, issuedJul. 23, 2019, by Sigma Phase, Corp. and Matthew Fonte for SYSTEM FORPROVIDING A SINGLE SERVING OF A FROZEN CONFECTION, which patentapplication:

-   -   (a) claims benefit of prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application        Ser. No. 62/351,001, filed Jun. 16, 2016 by Xciting Innovations,        LLC for SINGLE SERVE ICE CREAM MACHINE: COMPRESSOR, VORTEX TUBE,        SPRAY NOZZLE, SINGLE POD OF DRY ICE CREAM MIX; and

(4) claims benefit of prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/616,742, filed Jan. 12, 2018 by Sigma Phase, Corp. and Matthew Fontefor SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A SINGLE SERVING OF A FROZEN CONFECTION.

The five (5) above-identified patent applications are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to systems for providing a frozenconfection (e.g., “soft serve” or regular (“hard”) ice cream, frozenyogurt, frozen protein shakes, smoothies, etc.), and more particularlyto systems for providing a single serving of a frozen confection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current domestic ice cream makers are generally designed to producerelatively large batches of ice cream, typically ranging from 1.0 literto 2.0 liters or more, in a time period of approximately 20-60 minutes.In addition, most current domestic ice cream makers also require thatthe containers (within which the ice cream will be produced) be “frozen”before making the ice cream, i.e., the container must be placed in afreezer for approximately 4-8 hours before use. Thus, there is asubstantial delay between the time that the making of the ice creamcommences and the time that the batch of ice cream is completed.Furthermore, even after the batch of ice cream has been completed, it isstill necessary to manually remove the ice cream from the ice creammaker, and then it is also necessary to scoop out single servings of theice cream into a separate container (e.g., a bowl, a cone, etc.) forconsumption.

Thus there is a need for a new system for providing a single serving ofa frozen confection, in a reduced period of time, and which is dispenseddirectly into the container (e.g., a bowl, a cone, etc.) from which itwill be consumed.

In addition, it would also be desirable for the same system to becapable of providing a single serving of a cold beverage, and/or asingle serving of a hot beverage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises the provision and use of a novel systemfor providing a single serving of a frozen confection, in a reducedperiod of time, and which is dispensed directly into the container(e.g., a bowl, a cone, etc.) from which it will be consumed. The novelsystem is small enough to fit onto kitchen countertops, fit underneathkitchen cabinets (which are typically 18 inches in height or less), bepowered by 120 volt kitchen electric wall sockets with a maximum of 1800watts, and weigh less than 50 lbs. The novel system is capable of makingat least 5 fluid ounces of frozen confection in approximately 5 minutesor less and is capable of producing at least 4 batches of frozenconfection sequentially without any lag time between the batches.

In addition, the same system is also capable of providing a singleserving of a cold beverage, and/or a single serving of a hot beverage.

In one preferred form of the invention, there is provided apparatus forproviding a single serving of an ingestible substance, the apparatuscomprising:

a nest for receiving a pod containing at least one ingredient forforming a single serving of the ingestible substance, wherein the nestcomprises an annular recess for receiving a pod having an annularconfiguration;

a cooling unit for cooling the pod; and

a water supply for introducing water into the pod.

In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided apparatusfor providing and dispensing a single serving of a ingestible substance,the apparatus comprising:

a nest for receiving a pod containing at least one ingredient forforming a single serving of the ingestible substance, wherein the podcomprises at least one internal paddle;

a cooling unit for cooling the pod;

a water supply for introducing water into the pod; and

a rotation unit for rotating the at least one internal paddle of thepod.

In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided apparatusfor providing a single serving of an ingestible substance, the apparatuscomprising:

a nest for receiving a pod containing at least one ingredient forforming a single serving of the ingestible substance;

a heat transfer unit for transferring heat between the pod and the nest,wherein the heat transfer unit is capable of (i) taking heat out of thepod, and (ii) supplying heat to the pod; and

a water supply for introducing water into the pod.

In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided a methodfor providing a single serving of a frozen confection, the methodcomprising:

providing a pod comprising at least one ingredient for providing asingle serving of a frozen confection;

cooling the pod;

introducing water into the pod;

simultaneously stirring the contents of the pod while scraping at leastone wall of the pod to prevent a build-up of the frozen confection onthe at least one wall of the pod; and

ejecting the frozen confection out of the pod.

In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided a pod forproviding a single serving of an ingestible substance, the podcomprising:

a sealed container comprising:

-   -   at least one ingredient disposed within the sealed container for        forming a single serving of the ingestible substance; and    -   at least one paddle disposed within the sealed container for        agitating the at least one ingredient.

In still other forms of the invention, novel systems are disclosed forproviding a single serving of a frozen confection.

And in still other forms of the invention, novel pods are disclosed forproviding a single serving of a frozen confection.

In another form of the invention, there is provided a method forproviding a single serving of ice cream, said method comprising:

providing:

-   -   a pod comprising:        -   a tapered body having a smaller first end, a larger second            end and a side wall extending therebetween, said tapered            body defining an interior;        -   a cap permanently mounted to said larger second end of said            tapered body;        -   a scraper mixing paddle movably disposed within said            interior of said tapered body, said scraper mixing paddle            comprising a blade;        -   an exit port formed in said first end of said tapered body            and communicating with said interior of said tapered body;            and        -   an ingredient for providing a single serving of ice cream            when cooled; and    -   a nest comprising a tapered cavity having a smaller first end, a        larger second end and a side wall extending therebetween;

inserting said pod into said second end of said tapered cavity of saidnest and causing said side wall of said tapered body of said pod to seatsubstantially flush against said side wall of said tapered cavity ofsaid nest;

cooling said nest and rotating said scraper mixing paddle so as to stirsaid ingredient as said ingredient is converted into ice cream, withsaid blade of said scraper mixing paddle contacting, and riding againstand scraping, said side wall of said pod;

opening said exit port; and

dispensing said ice cream from said pod through said exit port.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects and features of the present invention will bemore fully disclosed or rendered obvious by the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which is tobe considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein likenumbers refer to like parts, and further wherein:

FIGS. 1-6 are schematic views showing a novel system for providing asingle serving of a frozen confection, wherein all of the components ofthe system are shown in FIGS. 1-3 as being opaque and wherein some ofthe components of the system are shown in FIGS. 4-6 as beingtransparent;

FIGS. 7-12 are schematic views showing further details of the nestassembly of the system shown in FIGS. 1-6;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are schematic views showing further details of (i) thelid assembly of the system shown in FIGS. 1-6, (ii) portions of the coldwater and air delivery assembly of the system shown in FIGS. 1-6, and(iii) the control electronics of the system shown in FIGS. 1-6;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are schematic views showing, among other things, furtherdetails of the heat dissipation assembly of the system shown in FIGS.1-6;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing further details of the controlelectronics of the system shown in FIGS. 1-6;

FIGS. 18-20 are schematic views showing further details of the pod ofthe system shown in FIGS. 1-6;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing exemplary operation of the systemshown in FIGS. 1-6;

FIGS. 22 and 23 are schematic views showing alternative approaches forcooling the inner portion of the nest assembly of the system shown inFIGS. 1-6;

FIGS. 24-27 are schematic views showing another pod which may be usedwith the system shown in FIGS. 1-6;

FIG. 28 is a schematic view showing another novel system for providing asingle serving of a frozen confection;

FIGS. 29-31 are schematic views showing another novel system forproviding a single serving of a frozen confection;

FIGS. 32-35 are schematic views showing another novel system formed inaccordance with the present invention, wherein the novel systemcomprises a compressor-cooled machine with a fixed-cap pod;

FIG. 35A is a schematic view showing another novel system formed inaccordance with the present invention, wherein the novel systemcomprises a pair of nests for producing a desired cold confection or adesired hot or cold beverage;

FIGS. 35B and 35C are schematic views showing additional nest and podconfigurations formed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a graph showing the eutectic point of a eutectic solution;

FIG. 37 is a schematic view showing a coaxial tube for delivering therefrigerant driven by the compressor with enhanced efficiency;

FIG. 37A is a schematic view showing one preferred arrangement forcooling a pod disposed in the nest;

FIG. 38 is a schematic view showing a direct expansion system which maybe used to cool the nest assembly;

FIG. 38A is a schematic view showing another preferred arrangement forcooling a pod disposed in the nest;

FIGS. 39-42 are schematic views showing another form of pod which may beused with the present invention;

FIG. 42A is a schematic view showing another form of pod which may beused with the present invention;

FIG. 42B is a schematic view showing movement of the contents of the podduring mixing;

FIG. 43 is a schematic view showing how the nest assembly may comprise aflexible bladder for receiving a pod, such that the flexible bladdermakes a close fit with a pod disposed in the nest assembly; and

FIG. 44 is a schematic view showing “bubble beads” contained in theingredients disposed within a pod, wherein the encapsulant is selectedso that when water is added to the interior of the pod, the encapsulantdissolves, releasing the CO₂ or N₂ and creating a “fizz” in the frozenconfection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention comprises the provision and use of a novel systemfor providing a single serving of a frozen confection, in a reducedperiod of time, and which is dispensed directly into the container(e.g., a bowl, a cone, etc.) from which it will be consumed.

In addition, the same system is also capable of providing a singleserving of a cold beverage, and/or a single serving of a hot beverage.

The System in General

In one preferred form of the invention, and looking first at FIGS. 1-6,there is provided a novel system 10 for providing a single serving of afrozen confection (e.g., ice cream, frozen yogurt, a smoothie, etc.).System 10 is also capable of providing a single serving of a coldbeverage, and/or a single serving of a hot beverage.

For clarity of explanation, system 10 will first be described in thecontext of providing a single serving of a frozen confection; thensystem 10 will be described in the context of providing a single servingof a cold beverage; and then system 10 will be described in the contextof providing a single serving of a hot beverage.

System 10 generally comprises a machine 20 and a pod 30, wherein machine20 is configured to, among other things, receive a pod 30 containing asupply of ingredients for forming a single serving of the frozenconfection, cool pod 30 (and its contents), introduce cold water and airinto pod 30, agitate the contents of pod 30 so as to form the frozenconfection, and then eject the frozen confection from pod 30 directlyinto the container (e.g., a bowl, a cone, etc.) from which it will beconsumed.

The Machine

Machine 20 is configured to, among other things, receive a pod 30containing a supply of ingredients for forming a single serving of thefrozen confection, cool pod 30 (and its contents), introduce cold waterand air into pod 30, agitate the contents of pod 30 so as to form thefrozen confection, and then eject the frozen confection from pod 30directly into the container (e.g., a bowl, a cone, etc.) from which itwill be consumed.

To this end, machine 20 is a reusable device which generally comprises ahousing 40, a nest assembly 50, a lid assembly 60, a water supply 70, acold water and air delivery assembly 80, a heat dissipation assembly 90and control electronics 100.

Housing 40 is shown in FIGS. 1-6. Housing 40 generally comprises a base110, a cover 120 mounted to base 110, and a tray 130 mounted to base110. Cover 120 serves to enclose interior components of machine 20 andto support other components of machine 20. Tray 130 serves to receive acontainer (e.g., a bowl) into which the frozen confection is to beejected and from which the frozen confection is to be consumed(alternatively, where the frozen confection is to be consumed from acone, the cone is held above tray 130). If desired, a cooling element(e.g., a thermoelectric (TEC) assembly comprising a thermoelectriccooler (TEC) element) may be disposed in the base of tray 130 so thattray 130 can “pre-cool” a container (e.g., a bowl) which is to receivethe frozen confection.

Nest assembly 50 is shown in further detail in FIGS. 7-12. Nest assembly50 serves to receive a pod 30 containing a supply of ingredients forforming a single serving of the frozen confection and, among otherthings, rapidly cool pod 30 (and its contents) so as to provide a singleserving of a frozen confection in a reduced period of time. To this end,and as will hereinafter be discussed, nest assembly 50 and pod 30 areeach provided with a unique configuration and a unique construction soas to speed up cooling of pod 30.

More particularly, nest assembly 50 generally comprises a nest 140having a top surface 150, a bottom surface 160 and a plurality of outerfaces 170. In one preferred form of the invention, nest 140 has eightouter faces 170, so that nest 140 has a generally octagonalconfiguration. Alternatively, nest 140 may have a different number ofouter faces 170. Nest 140 is preferably formed out of a highheat-transfer material such as aluminum.

Nest 140 also comprises a bore 180 and a counterbore 190. A hollowcylinder 200 is disposed in bore 180 and extends upward into counterbore190. As a result of this construction, an annular recess 210 (i.e., atoroidal recess 210) is formed in top surface 150 of nest 140. Annularrecess 210 is generally characterized by an outer wall 220 (which isdefined by the aforementioned counterbore 190) and an inner wall 230(which is defined by the aforementioned hollow cylinder 200). Annularrecess 210 is sized to receive pod 30 therein as will hereinafter bediscussed.

Nest 140 also comprises a bore 232 which opens on bottom surface 160 ofnest 140 and communicates with the interior of annular recess 210. Anexit nozzle 233 is mounted to bottom surface 160 of nest 140 at bore 232so that exit port 234 of exit nozzle 233 communicates with the interiorof annular recess 210. A pod sensor 235 is provided in nest 140 todetect when a pod 30 is disposed in annular recess 210 of nest 140.

Nest assembly 50 also comprises a plurality of thermoelectric (TEC)assemblies 240. TEC assemblies 240 each comprise a thermoelectric cooler(TEC) element 250, a heat sink 260 and a plurality of heat pipes 270extending between TEC element 250 and heat sink 260 so as to transferheat from TEC element 250 to heat sink 260. If desired, multiple TECelements 250 can be stacked on each heat sink 260 so as to achievehigher temperature differences than can be had with single-stage TECelements 250. As seen in FIGS. 7, 8 and 11, TEC assemblies 240 arepositioned against outer faces 170 of nest 140 so that TEC elements 250can provide cold or heat to outer faces 170 of nest 140, depending onthe direction of the electric current flow supplied to TEC elements 250,whereby to provide cold or heat to outer wall 220 of annular recess 210of nest 140 (and hence to provide cold or heat to a pod 30 disposed inannular recess 210 of nest 140). It will be appreciated that whenmachine 20 is to be used to provide a frozen confection, the directionof the electric current flow supplied to TEC elements 250 causes cold tobe applied to outer faces 170 of nest 140.

Heat pipes 270 are preferably of the sort shown in FIG. 12, i.e., theyprovide a high heat-transfer capacity for transferring heat from TECelements 250 to heat sinks 260. Heat pipes 270 are preferably alsoconnected to heat dissipation assembly 90 so as to carry the heatcollected by heat pipes 270 to heat dissipation assembly 90 for furtherdissipation to the environment.

Nest assembly 50 also comprises a cylindrical TEC 280 for providing coldto inner wall 230 of annular recess 210, and a cylindrical TEC 290 forsupplying heat to inner wall 230 of annular recess 210.

Lid assembly 60 is shown in further detail in FIGS. 13 and 14. Lidassembly 60 generally comprises a handle 300 to which is mounted a lid310, such that lid 310 moves in conjunction with handle 300. Handle 300is pivotally mounted to cover 120 of housing 40 via a pivot pin 320. Asa result of this construction, lid assembly 60 can pivot towards or awayfrom nest assembly 50 (see FIG. 1). A lid sensor 325 (FIGS. 1 and 2) isprovided for detecting when lid 310 is in its closed position.

Lid assembly 60 comprises a plunger 330 which is movably mounted to lid310. More particularly, plunger 330 comprises a circumferential gear 340and a longitudinal gear 350, and lid assembly 60 comprises a rotationmotor 360 for driving a rotation gear 370 and a vertical motor 380 fordriving a vertical gear 390, with rotation gear 370 of rotation motor360 engaging circumferential gear 340 of plunger 330, and with verticalgear 390 of vertical motor 380 engaging longitudinal gear 350 of plunger330. As a result of this construction, rotation motor 360 can causeplunger 330 to rotate within lid 310, and vertical motor 380 can causeplunger 330 to move vertically within lid 310.

Plunger 330 further comprises a plurality of fingers 400 for engagingcounterpart fingers on pod 30 (see below), and a pair of hollow fangs410, 420 for penetrating the top of pod 30 and delivering additionalingredients into pod 30 (see below).

Looking next at FIGS. 1-6, water supply 70 generally comprises anambient-temperature water tank 430 and a cold water tank 440. In onepreferred form of the invention, ambient-temperature water tank 430 mayhold approximately 2.0 liters of water, and cold water tank 440 may holdapproximately 0.5 liter of water. Ambient-temperature water tank 430comprises a removable cover 445 to enable ambient-temperature water tank430 to be filled with water. A line (not shown) is provided for movingwater from ambient-temperature water tank 430 to cold water tank 440. Awater sensor 450 (FIG. 4) is provided for monitoring for the presence ofwater in ambient-temperature water tank 430, and a water temperaturesensor 460 (FIG. 6) is provided for monitoring the temperature of thewater in cold water tank 440. A plurality of TEC assemblies 470, eachpreferably similar to the aforementioned TEC assemblies 240, areprovided for chilling the water in cold water tank 440, i.e., TECassemblies 470 comprise TEC elements 473, heat sinks 475 and heat pipes477. Heat pipes 477 of TEC assemblies 470 are preferably connected toheat dissipation assembly 90 so as to carry the heat produced by TECassemblies 470 to heat dissipation assembly 90.

Looking next at FIGS. 6 and 14, cold water and air delivery assembly 80generally comprises a water pump 480 which pumps cold water from coldwater tank 440 into hollow fang 410 of plunger 330, and an air pump 490which pumps air into hollow fang 420 of plunger 330. In one preferredform of the invention, hollow fang 410 comprises a spray nozzle forinjecting droplets of atomized water into pod 30 (see below), whereby tofacilitate the formation of the frozen confection (see below). Suchspray nozzles are well known in the art of liquid dispersion. Cold waterand air delivery assembly 80 also comprises various fluid lines (notshown) for transferring water from cold water tank 440 to hollow fang410 of plunger 330 and for introducing air into hollow fang 420 ofplunger 330.

Heat dissipation assembly 90 is shown in further detail in FIGS. 15 and16. Heat dissipation assembly 90 dissipates heat received from heatpipes 270 of TEC assemblies 240 of nest 140 and dissipates heat receivedfrom the heat pipes 477 of TEC assemblies 470 of cold water tank 440.Heat dissipation assembly 90 generally comprises a plurality of heatsinks 500 which draw heat from heat pipes 510 (which are connected toheat pipes 270 of TEC assemblies 240 of nest 140 and heat pipes 477 ofTEC assemblies 470 of cold water tank 440), a plurality of condensers520 for receiving heat from heat sinks 500, and a plurality of fans 530for cooling condensers 520.

Control electronics 100 generally comprise a power supply 540 (FIG. 14),a central processing unit (CPU) 550 and a user interface 570 (FIG. 2),e.g., a display screen, operating buttons, etc. As seen in FIG. 17,power supply 540 and CPU 550 are connected to the aforementioned watersensor 450, water temperature sensor 460, TEC assemblies 470,cylindrical TEC 280, cylindrical TEC 290, lid sensor 325, pod sensor235, TEC assemblies 240, water pump 480, air pump 490, rotation motor360, vertical motor 380, condensers 520, fans 530 and user interface570. CPU 550 is appropriately programmed to operate machine 20 inresponse to instructions received from user interface 570 as willhereinafter be discussed.

It will be appreciated that machine 20 is preferably configured tooperate at a maximum load of 1800 watts, which is generally the maximumload that standard outlets in a kitchen can handle.

The Pod

Pod 30 contains a supply of ingredients for providing a single servingof a frozen confection (e.g., ice cream, frozen yogurt, a smoothie,etc.). In the preferred form of the invention, pod 30 is provided as asingle-use, disposable pod, i.e., a new pod 30 is used for each servingof the frozen confection.

As noted above, and as will hereinafter be discussed, pod 30 is providedwith a unique configuration and a unique construction so as to speed upcooling of pod 30 (and its contents), whereby to speed up the process ofproducing the frozen confection.

More particularly, and looking now at FIGS. 18-20, pod 30 generallycomprises a base 580 having an opening 590 formed therein. An outerhollow tube 600 rises upward from the outer perimeter of base 580, andan inner hollow tube 610 is disposed in opening 590 of base 580 andrises upward from the inner perimeter of base 580. As a result of thisconstruction, an annular recess 620 (i.e., a toroidal recess 620) isformed between base 580, outer hollow tube 600 and inner hollow tube610, with annular recess 620 being generally characterized by a floor630 (defined by base 580), an outer wall 640 (defined by outer hollowtube 600) and an inner wall 650 (defined by inner hollow tube 610). Notethat the diameter of outer hollow tube 600 of pod 30 is slightly lessthan the diameter of counterbore 190 of nest 140, and the diameter ofinner hollow tube 610 of pod 30 is slightly greater than the diameter ofhollow cylinder 200 of nest assembly 50, such that pod 30 can be seatedin annular recess 210 of nest 140, with outer hollow tube 600 of pod 30making a close sliding fit with outer wall 220 of nest 140 and withinner hollow tube 610 of pod 30 making a close sliding fit with innerwall 230 of nest assembly 50.

Preferably base 580 of pod 30 comprises a high heat-transfer material(e.g., aluminum, a molded polymer, etc.), outer hollow tube 600 of pod30 comprises a high heat-transfer material (e.g., aluminum, a moldedpolymer, etc.) and inner hollow tube 610 of pod 30 comprises a highheat-transfer material (e.g., aluminum, a molded polymer, etc.). In onepreferred form of the invention, base 580, outer hollow tube 600 andinner hollow tube 610 comprise a plastic/thin metallic film composite(i.e., a body of plastic having an external covering of a thin metallicfilm). It should be appreciated that the plastic/thin metallic filmcomposite allows for improved thermal transfer and helps preserve thecontents of pod 30, while also providing pod 30 with a unique packagingappearance. Preferably base 580, outer hollow tube 600 and inner hollowtube 610 are substantially rigid.

Thus it will be seen that, due to the unique configurations and uniqueconstructions of nest assembly 50 and pod 30, when a pod 30 is disposedin the annular recess 210 of nest 140, cold can be efficiently appliedto outer wall 640 of pod 30 by outer wall 220 of nest 140, cold can beefficiently applied to inner wall 650 of pod 30 by inner wall 230 ofnest assembly 50, and cold can be efficiently applied to base 580 of pod30 by the floor of annular recess 210 of nest 140. As a result, machine20 can rapidly cool pod 30 (and its contents) so as to provide a singleserving of a frozen confection in a reduced period of time.

Pod 30 also comprises a cap 660, an outer helical scraper paddle 670, aninner helical scraper paddle 680, and a bottom scraper paddle 690.

Cap 660 has an outer edge 700 which is sized slightly smaller than thediameter of outer wall 640 of pod 30, and cap 660 has an inner hole 710which has a diameter slightly larger than inner hollow tube 610 of pod30, such that cap 660 can move longitudinally into, and then along,annular recess 620 of pod 30 (see below). Cap 660 is preferablysubstantially rigid.

Cap 660 also comprises fingers 720 for engaging counterpart fingers 400of plunger 330, whereby rotational and longitudinal motion can beimparted to cap 660 of pod 30 by plunger 330, as will hereinafter bediscussed. Cap 660 also comprises two weakened portions 730, 740 forpenetration by hollow fangs 410, 420, respectively, of plunger 330, aswill hereinafter be discussed in further detail.

Outer helical scraper paddle 670 extends between cap 660 and bottomscraper paddle 690, and comprises an outer edge 750 which makes a closesliding fit with outer wall 640 of annular recess 620. Inner helicalscraper paddle 680 extends between cap 660 and bottom scraper paddle690, and comprises an inner edge 760 which makes a close sliding fitwith inner hollow tube 610 of pod 30. Bottom scraper paddle 690comprises an outer ring 770 which contacts base 580 and makes a closesliding fit with outer wall 640 of annular recess 620, an inner ring 780which contacts base 580 and makes a close sliding fit with inner hollowtube 610 of pod 30, and a pair of struts 790 which contact base 580 andextend between outer ring 770 and inner ring 780. As a result of thisconstruction, fingers 720 may be used to turn cap 660 rotationally, suchthat outer helical scraper paddle 670 rotates, scrapping the interiorsurface of outer wall 640 of pod 30, inner helical scraper paddle 680rotates, scraping the exterior surface of inner hollow tube 610, andstruts 770 rotate, scraping floor 630 of base 580. It will beappreciated that the provision of outer helical scraper paddle 670,inner helical scraper paddle 680 and bottom scraper paddle 690 is highlyadvantageous, since outer helical scraper paddle 670, inner helicalscraper paddle 680 and bottom scraper paddle 690 can simultaneously (i)agitate the contents of pod 30 so as to ensure uniform and rapidformation of the frozen confection, and (ii) prevent the build-up offrozen confection on base 580, outer hollow tube 600 and inner hollowtube 610, which could inhibit cooling of the contents of pod 30.

Outer helical scraper paddle 670 and inner helical scraper paddle 680are configured and constructed so that they may be longitudinallycompressed by applying a longitudinal force to cap 660, whereby to movecap 660 into, and along, annular recess 620 of pod 30, so as to bringcap 660 substantially into engagement with base 580 (see below). In onepreferred form of the invention, outer helical scraper paddle 670 andinner helical scraper paddle 680 are made out of spring steel, withouter helical scrapper paddle 670 and inner helical scraper paddle 680compressing to substantially flat configurations when a longitudinalforce drives cap 660 against base 580 (or, more precisely, substantiallyagainst base 580, since the flattened outer helical scraper paddle 670and the flattened inner helical scraper paddle 680 will be disposedbetween, and slightly separate, cap 660 from base 580). Bottom scraperpaddle 690 may also be formed out of spring steel. In another preferredform of the invention, outer helical scraper paddle 670 and/or innerhelical scraper paddle 680 (and/or bottom scraper paddle 690) may bemade out of a plastic. If desired, outer helical scraper paddle 670and/or inner helical scraper paddle 680 (and/or bottom scraper paddle690) may comprise a shape memory material (e.g., Nitinol).

A bore 800 passes through base 580 and communicates with the interior ofannular recess 620. A weakened portion 810 normally closes off bore 800but may be ruptured upon the application of an appropriate force so asto pass material (e.g., frozen confection) therethrough. An exit nozzle820 is mounted to base 580 adjacent to bore 800 so that exit port 830 ofexit nozzle 820 communicates with the interior of annular recess 620when weakened portion 810 has been ruptured.

Pod 30 generally has a surface area-to-volume ratio which is greaterthan 2:1, and which is preferably approximately 8:1. It will beappreciated that increasing the surface area of pod 30 increases thespeed of forming the frozen confection in pod 30, since it allows heatto be drawn out of pod 30 (and its contents) more quickly. It will alsobe appreciated that forming pod 30 with a toroidal configuration (i.e.,with both interior and exterior access surfaces) provides increasedsurface area and enables more rapid cooling of pod 30 and its contents,inasmuch as cold may be simultaneously applied to both the outersurfaces of pod 30 and the inner surfaces of pod 30.

By way of example but not limitation, in one preferred form of theinvention, pod 30 has an outer diameter of 2.25 inches and a height of3.75 inches (i.e., outer hollow tube 600 has an outer diameter of 2.25inches and a height of 3.75 inches), whereby to provide a surface areaof 26.49 square inches and a volume of 14.90 cubic inches; and pod 30has an inner diameter of 1.4 inches and a height of 3.75 inches (i.e.,inner hollow tube 610 has an inner diameter of 1.4 inches and a heightof 3.75 inches), whereby to provide a surface area of 16.49 squareinches and a volume of 5.77 cubic inches; thereby yielding a total podsurface area of 42.98 square inches (i.e., 26.49 square inches+16.49square inches=42.98 square inches) and a total pod volume of 9.13 cubicinches (i.e., 14.90 cubic inches−5.77 cubic inches=9.13 cubic inches),and a surface area-to-volume ratio of 8.47:1.

Pod 30 contains a fresh supply of ingredients for forming the frozenconfection (e.g., ice cream, frozen yogurt, smoothie, etc.). Moreparticularly, pod 30 may contain a frozen confection mix (dry or liquid)containing, for example, sugar and powder crystals, preferably many ofwhich are less than 50 μm in size, and preferably containing at least0.1% stabilizers by volume. A dry frozen confection mix preferably hasat least 50% of its constituents (e.g., the sugar and powder crystals)having a size of 50 μm or less.

Where pod 30 is to produce a single serving of ice cream, in a preferredform of the invention, pod 30 may hold approximately 4-6 ounces ofingredients, and the ingredients may comprise approximately 8% fat(e.g., cream, butter, anhydrous milk fat, vegetable fat, etc.),approximately 1% milk solids-non-fat (MSNF) (e.g., skim milk power(SMP), whole milk powder (WMP), evaporated milk, condensed milk, etc.),approximately 13% sucrose, approximately 0.5% emulsifier andapproximately 0.5% stabilizer.

By way of further example but not limitation, if pod 30 contains 1.25ounces of dry yogurt mix, 5 ounces of frozen yogurt will be formed inpod 30 after running machine 20.

Use of the System

Looking now at FIG. 21, machine 20 is prepared for use by introducingwater into ambient-temperature water tank 430 and turning on machine 20.Water sensor 450 confirms that there is water in ambient-temperaturewater tank 430. Machine 20 then pumps water from ambient-temperaturewater tank 430 into cold water tank 440 and chills the water in coldwater tank 440 using TEC assemblies 470. Water temperature sensor 460monitors the temperature of the water in cold water tank 440. Preferablythe water in cold water tank 440 is cooled to between approximately 1-3degrees C. Machine 20 then sits in this standby condition, re-coolingthe water in cold water tank 440 as needed, until a single serving of afrozen confection (e.g., ice cream, frozen yogurt, smoothie, etc.) is tobe prepared.

When a single serving of a frozen confection is to be prepared, lidassembly 60 of machine 20 is opened and a fresh pod 30 is positioned inannular recess 210 of nest 140. This is done so that exit nozzle 820 ofpod 30 seats in exit nozzle 233 of nest 140. Then lid assembly 60 isclosed so that fingers 400 of plunger 330 engage fingers 720 of pod 30,and so that hollow fangs 410, 420 of plunger 330 penetrate the twoweakened portions 730, 740 of pod 30. In addition, a container (i.e.,the container from which the frozen confection will be consumed) isplaced on tray 130 of machine 20, with the container being centeredbelow exit nozzle 233 of nest assembly 50 (alternatively, where thefrozen confection is to be consumed from a cone, the cone is held abovetray 130).

When pod sensor 235 senses the presence of a pod 30 in annular recess210 of nest 140, machine 20 cools nest assembly 50 via TEC assemblies240 and cylindrical TEC 280, which in turn cools the pod 30 (and itscontents) which is located in annular recess 210 of nest 140. Note thatTEC assemblies 240 cool the outer faces 170 of nest 140 so as to coolouter wall 220 of annular recess 210, whereby to cool hollow outer tube600 of pod 30, and cylindrical TEC 280 cools hollow cylinder 200 so asto cool inner wall 230 of annular recess 210, whereby to cool hollowinner tube 610 of pod 30. Note that the high surface area-to-volumeratio of pod 30, provided by its toroidal configuration, allows forfaster cooling of the pod 30 (and its contents). By way of example butnot limitation, the contents of pod 30 can be cooled to a temperature ofapproximately −30 degrees C. so as to form ice cream within 2 minutes(the contents of pod 30 will turn to ice cream at a temperature of −18degrees C., a lower temperature will produce ice cream even faster).Note also that the heat removed from pod 30 via TEC assemblies 240 andcylindrical TEC 280 is transferred to heat dissipation assembly 90 fordissipation to the environment.

When pod 30 has been appropriately cooled, water pump 480 pumps anappropriate amount of cold water (e.g., at least 1.25 ounces of coldwater) from cold water tank 440 into hollow fang 410 in plunger 330, andthen through weakened portion 730 in cap 660, so that the cold water issprayed into the interior of pod 30 and mixes with the contents of pod30. In a preferred form of the invention, 4 ounces of water at 2 degreesC. is sprayed into pod 30. At the same time, rotation motor 360 rotatesplunger 330, whereby to rotate cap 660 of pod 30, which causes outerhelical scraper paddle 670, inner helical scraper paddle 680 and bottomscraper paddle 690 to rotate within annular recess 620 of pod 30.

Note that only cap 660, outer helical scraper paddle 670, inner helicalscraper paddle 680 and bottom scraper paddle 690 rotate, and theremainder of pod 30 remains stationary, inasmuch as exit nozzle 820 ofpod 30 is disposed in exit nozzle 233 of nest assembly 50.

This rotational action agitates the contents of pod 30 so as to ensureuniform and rapid mixing of the contents of pod 30. The rotational speedof the scrapper paddles can change from approximately 5 to approximately400 RPM depending on the viscosity of the frozen confection. In onepreferred form of the invention, a torque sensor is provided whichadjusts the rotational speed of the scraper paddles in response to thechanging viscosity of the frozen confection in pod 30 (e.g., therotational speed of the scraper paddles slows with the increasingviscosity of the frozen confection). In addition, this rotational actioncauses outer helical scraper paddle 670, inner helical scraper paddle680 and bottom scraper paddle 690 to continuously scrape the walls ofpod 30 so as to prevent the build-up of frozen confection on the wallsof pod 30 (which could inhibit cooling of the contents of pod 30). Thenair pump 490 pumps air into hollow fang 420 in plunger 330, and thenthrough weakened portion 740 in cap 660, so that the air enters theinterior of pod 30 and mixes with the contents of pod 30. Preferablyenough air is pumped into pod 30 to provide an approximately 30%-50%overrun (i.e., air bubbles) in pod 30, whereby to give the ice cream thedesired “loft”. As this occurs, outer helical scraper paddle 670, innerhelical scraper paddle 680 and bottom scraper paddle 690 continue toagitate the contents of pod 30 so as to ensure uniform and rapid mixingof the contents of pod 30 and so as to continuously scrape the walls ofpod 30, whereby to prevent a build-up of frozen confection on the wallsof pod 30 (which could inhibit cooling of the contents of pod 30).

In order to create a “smooth” frozen confection, the majority of icecrystals formed in the frozen confection should be smaller thanapproximately 50 μm. If many of the ice crystals are larger than 50 μm,or if there are extremely large ice crystals (i.e., over 100 μm)present, the frozen confection will be “coarse”. System 10 is designedto produce a “smooth” frozen confection by providing a majority of icecrystals smaller than approximately 50 μm.

More particularly, to develop ice crystals with the proper dispersion(number, size and shape), it is necessary to control the freezingprocess: rates of nucleation vs. growth of crystals. System 10 does thisby simultaneously scraping the inner and outer surfaces of annularrecess 620 of pod 30. In addition, in order to generate numerous smallice crystals, the freezing □onditions within pod 30 must promote nucleiformation and minimize ice crystal growth. Promoting ice nucleationrequires very low temperatures, e.g., ideally as low as −30 degrees C.,in order to promote rapid nucleation. System 10 freezes the contents ofpod 30 very quickly (e.g., under 2 minutes), thereby preventing icecrystals from having the time to “ripen” (i.e., grow). Furthermore, onceice nuclei have formed, conditions that minimize their growth are neededto keep the ice crystals as small as possible. To obtain the smallestpossible ice crystals, it is necessary to have the shortest residencetime possible in order to minimize “ripening” (i.e., growth) of the icecrystals. System 10 achieves this by using multiple internal scraperpaddles to remove ice crystals from the walls of the pod, which helpscreate high-throughput rates which keeps the ice crystals small (e.g.,under 50 μm).

When the frozen confection in pod 30 is ready to be dispensed into thecontainer which has been placed on tray 130 of machine 20 (i.e., thecontainer from which the frozen confection will be consumed), or into acone held above tray 130, vertical motor 380 moves plunger 330vertically, causing plunger 330 to force cap 660 of pod 30 downward,toward base 580 of pod 30, with outer helical scraper paddle 670 andinner helical scraper paddle 680 longitudinally compressing with theadvance of cap 660. This action reduces the volume of annular recess620. Vertical motor 380 continues to move plunger 330 vertically,reducing the volume of annular recess 620, until the force of the frozenconfection in pod 30 ruptures weakened portion 810 of pod 30 and thefrozen confection is forced out exit port 830 of pod 30, whereupon thefrozen confection passes through exit port 234 of nest 140 and into thecontainer set on tray 130 (i.e., the container from which the frozenconfection will be consumed) or into the cone held above tray 130. Thisaction continues until cap 660 has been forced against base 580,effectively ejecting all of the frozen confection out of pod 30 and intothe container from which the ice cream will be consumed.

Thereafter, the used pod 30 may be removed from machine 20 and, whenanother single serving of a frozen confection is to be prepared, it maybe replaced by a fresh pod 30 and the foregoing process repeated.

Alternative Approaches for Cooling the Inner Portion of the NestAssembly

If desired, and looking now at FIG. 22, cylindrical TEC 280 may bereplaced by a helical coil 840 which is itself cooled by a TEC element850.

Alternatively, if desired, and looking now at FIG. 23, a TEC assembly240 may be mounted to bottom surface 160 of nest 140 so that TECassembly 240 can cool hollow cylinder 200 of nest 140 (as well as thebottom surface of nest 140).

Using the System to Provide a Cold Beverage

System 10 can also be used to provide a single serving of a coldbeverage. By way of example but not limitation, pod 30 may contain asupply of ingredients for forming cold tea (also sometimes referred toas “iced tea”), cold coffee (also sometimes referred to as “icedcoffee”), cold soda, cold beer, etc. In this circumstance, pod 30 maycontain a dry or liquid cold tea mix, a dry or liquid cold coffee mix, adry or liquid soda mix or a dry or liquid beer mix, etc.

Where system 10 is to be used to provide a single serving of a coldbeverage, a pod 30, containing a supply of the ingredients used to formthe cold beverage, is inserted into nest assembly 50. Nest assembly 50is then used to cool pod 30, and cold water is pumped from cold watertank 440 into pod 30, where it is combined with the ingredientscontained within pod 30, and mixed by outer helical scraper paddle 670,inner helical scraper paddle 680 and bottom scraper paddle 690. Whenmixing is completed, vertical motor 380 is activated to eject the coldbeverage into a waiting container.

It will be appreciated that where a cold beverage is to be produced, airmay or may not be pumped into pod 30 (e.g., air may not be pumped intopod 30 when cold tea or cold coffee is being produced, and air may bepumped into pod 30 when cold soda or cold beer is being produced).

It will also be appreciated that where a cold beverage is to beproduced, outer helical scraper paddle 670, inner helical scraper paddle680 and bottom scraper paddle 690 may be omitted from pod 30 if desired.

Using the System to Provide a Hot Beverage

System 10 can also be used to provide a single serving of a hotbeverage. By way of example but not limitation, pod 30 may contain asupply of ingredients for forming a hot beverage, e.g., hot chocolate,hot coffee, etc. In this situation, pod 30 may contain a dry mix formedfrom ingredients which, when mixed with hot water, provide the desiredbeverage, e.g., a hot chocolate powder, an instant coffee mix, etc.

Where system 10 is to be used to provide a single serving of a hotbeverage, a pod 30, containing a supply of the ingredients used to formthe hot beverage, is inserted into nest assembly 50. Nest assembly 50 isthen used to heat pod 30, and ambient-temperature water is pumped fromambient-temperature water tank 430 into pod 30, where it is combinedwith the ingredients contained within pod 30, and mixed by outer helicalscraper paddle 670, inner helical scraper paddle 680 and bottom scraperpaddle 690. Note that TEC assemblies 240 may be used to supply heat tothe outer surfaces of nest 140 by simply reversing the direction of theelectric current flow supplied to TEC elements 250, and cylindrical TEC290 may be used to supply heat to the inner column of nest 140, wherebyto heat the contents of pod 30. In addition, if desired, theambient-temperature water in ambient-temperature water tank 430 may beheated before injection into pod 30, e.g., via resistance heaterspositioned in the line between ambient-temperature water tank 430 andhollow fang 410 of plunger 330. It will be appreciated that where a hotbeverage is to be produced, air is generally not pumped into pod 30.

In many cases, it may be desirable to “brew” a hot beverage by passingwater through a supply of granulated ingredients, e.g., such as in thecase of coffee or tea. To that end, and looking now at FIGS. 24-27, pod30 can be provided with a filter 860 which contains a supply of thegranulated ingredients (e.g., ground coffee beans, tea leaves, etc.)which is to be brewed. In one preferred form of the invention, and asshown in FIGS. 24-27, filter 860 is disposed adjacent to cap 660, e.g.,filter 860 is secured to cap 660, and outer helical scraper paddle 670,inner helical scraper paddle 680 and bottom scraper paddle 690 areomitted from pod 30. Note also that when plunger 330 collapses cap 660towards base 580, filter 860 will preferably also collapse, whereby toallow compression of the granulated ingredients contained within filter860, so as to press the fluid out of filter 860, e.g., in the manner ofa so-called “French Press” coffee maker. It should also be appreciatedthat filter 860 is constructed so that it will maintain its structuralintegrity during collapse so that the granulated contents of filter 860do not pass out of pod 30.

Cabinet Configuration

If desired, and looking now at FIG. 28, machine 20 can be mounted to acabinet 870, where cabinet 870 sits on legs 880. In this construction,cabinet 870 can include additional cooling apparatus for removing heatfrom heat dissipation assembly 90 (e.g., additional heat pipes,condensers and fans, or a conventional refrigeration unit, etc.).Cabinet 870 may also be configured so as to house fresh pods 30 and/orcontainers for receiving the frozen confections (e.g., bowls and cones),cold beverages (e.g., cups) and hot beverages (e.g., cups).

Chilling the Pod with a Refrigeration Coil

In another form of the invention, and looking now at FIGS. 29-31, nestassembly 50 may be replaced by an alternative nest assembly 50Acomprising a nest 140A in the form of a torus characterized by an outerwall 220A and an inner wall 230A, wherein the torus is formed out of ahigh heat-transfer material (e.g., aluminum), and further wherein TECassemblies 240 are replaced by a refrigeration coil 240A which isconnected to heat dissipation assembly 90A, wherein heat dissipationassembly 90A comprises a compressor for driving refrigeration coil 240A.

It will be appreciated that, as a result of this construction, nestassembly 50A (and hence a pod 30 disposed in nest assembly 50A) can becooled via a conventional refrigeration system. This construction can beadvantageous since it can quickly cool a pod 30 to −40 degrees C., whichis beyond the thermal performance of TEC elements 250.

Alternative Nest and Pod Constructions

In the foregoing disclosure, nest assembly 50 and nest assembly 50Acomprise an internal cooling element (e.g., hollow cylinder 200containing TEC 280) as well as external cooling elements (e.g., TECassemblies 240), and pod 30 comprises an inner opening (i.e., the lumenof inner hollow tube 610) for receiving the internal cooling element ofnest assemblies 50 and 50A. However, if desired, the internal coolingelement may be omitted from nest assemblies 50 and 50A, in which casethe inner opening of pod 30 may also be omitted.

Compressor-Cooled Machine with Fixed-Cap Pod

Looking next at FIGS. 32-35, 35A, 35B and 35C, there is shown anothernovel system 900 for providing a single serving of a frozen confection,e.g., ice cream (soft serve or hard), frozen yogurt, a frozen proteinshake, a smoothie, etc. For the purposes of the present invention, asingle serving of a frozen confection may be considered to beapproximately 2 fluid ounces to approximately 8 fluid ounces.

System 900 is also capable of providing a single serving of a coldbeverage, and/or a single serving of a hot beverage.

System 900 may comprise two nests 915, where one nest 915 is configuredto receive a frozen confection pod at 5-8 ounces and another adjacentnest 915, which may be smaller in size, is configured to receive acoffee pod (e.g., a K-Cup pod) or a cold beverage pod (e.g., an iced teapod). In this form of the invention, water (hot or cold) is directed tothe proper nest 915 to form the desired cold confection or the desiredhot or cold beverage. See, for example, FIG. 35A, which shows two nests915 for producing a desired cold confection or a desired hot or coldbeverage (note that the configuration of system 900 may differ slightlydepending on whether a single nest or double nest is to be provided).Preferably, a pod detector (not shown) is provided in each nest 915 toidentify which nest has received which type of pod (e.g., frozenconfection, hot coffee, iced tea, etc.) so that the machine sends theappropriate cold or hot water to the appropriate nest.

In a preferred form of the invention, system 900 generally comprises amachine 905 and a pod 910, wherein machine 905 is configured to, amongother things, receive pod 910 containing a supply of ingredients forforming a single serving of the frozen confection, cool pod 910 (and itscontents), introduce cold water and air into pod 910 (where appropriate,see below), agitate the contents of pod 910 so as to form the frozenconfection, and then eject 3 to 8 ounces of the frozen confection frompod 910 directly into the container (e.g., a pre-chilled bowl, anambient bowl, a cone, etc.) from which it will be consumed.

In one form of the invention, system 900 is able to form a frozenconfection without introducing water and/or air into pod 910 (seebelow).

Machine 905

Machine 905 is generally similar to machine 20 described above, exceptthat machine 905 uses a compressor to cool pod 910 and water supply 70may be omitted in some circumstances (see below). More particularly,machine 905 comprises a nest 915 for receiving pod 910, a coolant unit920 for cooling nest 915, and a refrigeration unit 925 for coolingcoolant unit 920. Machine 905 weighs less than 50 lbs and is configuredto produce and dispense single servings of frozen confections or hot orcold beverages in quantities of approximately 1 quart or less within 5minutes or less. The frozen confection will have between 10-60% overrun(i.e., air content) per single serving batch. It should be appreciatedthat the amount of overrun varies according to the particular productbeing made in pod 910.

More particularly, nest 915 comprises a body 930 defining a tapered(preferably frustoconical) recess 935 for receiving a correspondinglytapered (preferably frustoconical) pod 910 and an interior chamber 940for cooling recess 935 of nest 915. Nest 915 further comprises an inlet945 leading to interior chamber 940 and an outlet 950 leading frominterior chamber 940.

In one form of the invention, tapered recess 935 of nest 915 comprises asmaller first end 951, a larger second end 952 and a tapered side wall953 extending between the smaller first end 951 and the larger secondend 952. In one preferred form of the invention, tapered recess 935 isfrustoconical. In one form of the invention, tapered side wall 953 ofrecess 935 has a taper of approximately 5 degrees or greater. In oneform of the invention, smaller first end 951 may be closed off. Inanother form of the invention, smaller first end 951 may be partiallyopen. In another form of the invention, smaller first end 951 may becompletely open. See, for example, FIG. 35B and FIG. 35C, which showadditional configurations for nest 915 (and which also show additionalconfigurations for pod 910).

It should be appreciated that where smaller first end 951 of nest 915 iseither partially open or completely open, it may be possible to create abetter fit of pod 910 in nest 915. More particularly, with the bottom ofnest 915 partially or fully open, pod 910 fits in nest 915 without“bottoming out” so a better fit is created between the walls of the nestand the walls of the pod, thereby allowing for much more efficientcooling of the pod.

Coolant unit 920 comprises a reservoir 955 for containing a supply ofcoolant, a circulation motor 960, a line 965 connecting reservoir 955 tocirculation motor 960, a line 970 connecting circulation motor 960 withinlet 945 of nest 915, and a line 975 connecting outlet 950 of nest 915with reservoir 955. As a result of this construction, coolant containedin reservoir 955 can be circulated through interior chamber 940 of nest915 so as to cool a pod 910 contained in recess 935 of nest 915.

Refrigeration unit 925 comprises a refrigeration cycle comprising acompressor 980, a condenser 985, an expansion valve (not shown) locateddownstream of the condenser, and an evaporator (not shown, but could bean immersion coil in a coolant tank) located at reservoir 955 of coolantunit 920, such that compressor 980 can drive a refrigerant through therefrigeration cycle to cool the coolant disposed within reservoir 955 ofcoolant unit 920.

As a result of this construction, refrigeration unit 925 can be used tocool coolant unit 920, and coolant unit 920 can be used to cool a pod910 disposed in nest 915. Note that by selecting an appropriate coolantfor coolant unit 920, and by providing a reservoir 955 of appropriatesize, sufficient “cold” can be accumulated within coolant unit 920 sothat multiple batches of frozen confection can be sequentially producedwith substantially no lag time.

Eutectic Solution

In one preferred form of the invention, at least one container holding aeutectic solution is disposed adjacent to the pod seat of nest 915. Thiseutectic solution is used to store “cold” at the nest. Moreparticularly, coolant unit 920 is used to cool the eutectic solution tothe point of freezing, and then the eutectic solution absorbs heat frompod 910, whereby to produce the frozen confection.

More particularly, while system 900 is parked idle (i.e., prior toproducing servings of a frozen confection), compressor 980 ofrefrigeration unit 925 is turned on. Compressor 980 circulates itsrefrigerant (e.g., Freon, Norflurane referred to as R-134A, R-407C,R-404A, R-410A, etc.) through its refrigeration cycle so as to cool thecoolant in reservoir 955 of coolant unit 920, and then the coolant inreservoir 955 cools the eutectic solution contained within at least onecontainer in nest 915 to 0° C. to −114° C. Once the eutectic solutionsurrounding nest 915 is cooled to 0° C. to −114° C., system 900automatically turns off compressor 980 of refrigeration unit 925. Notethat compressor 980 of refrigeration unit 925 does not need to run whilesystem 900 is making the frozen confection, since the already-cooledcoolant in coolant unit 920, and/or the eutectic solution in at leastone container in the nest, is actually used to cool a pod 910 in nest915. Of course, compressor 980 of refrigeration unit 925 may be runwhile system 900 is making the frozen confection if desired.

It will be appreciated that the cold lost from the eutectic solution byremoving heat from pod 910 is replaced by a heat exchange as the cooledeutectic solution slowly warms. This maintains the temperature of nest915 between −40° C. and 0° C. while making multiple pods of a frozenconfection in quick succession. As the eutectic solution warms,circulation motor 960 of coolant unit 920 keeps pumping coolant to thenest to help carry the cooling load of the eutectic container.Additionally, compressor 980 of refrigeration unit 925 automaticallyturns back on, pumping refrigerant to coolant unit 920 (which isre-cooling the eutectic solution).

Between cooling of a pod and/or between uses of machine 905, frost mayaccumulate on the inside of nest 915. Flashing heat to the surface ofnest 915 defrosts the surface of nest 915. This flash heat may be in theform of warm air, induction coil heat, resistance heat, etc.

It should be appreciated that the eutectic solution comprises a phasechange material. In this respect, it should also be appreciated thatphase change materials (PCMs) are compositions that store and releasethermal energy during the processes of warming and cooling. Phase changematerials typically release (in the form of latent heat) large amountsof energy upon cooling, but absorb equal amounts of energy from theimmediate environment upon warming. In this way, phase change materialsenable thermal energy storage: heat or cold being stored at one periodof time and used at a later point in time.

It should be appreciated that a simple, cheap and effective phase changematerial is water/ice. Unfortunately, water/ice has a freezing point of0° C. (+32° F.), which precludes water/ice from the majority of energystorage applications. However, a number of alternative phase changematerials have been identified and developed that cool and warm likewater/ice, but at temperatures from the cryogenic range to severalhundred degrees centigrade. When salts are added to water, they depressthe freezing point of the water. Adding more salt generally depressesthe freezing temperature further, but these solutions do not freezecleanly and at a precise temperature, instead they tend to form a slush.However, if a particular salt at a particular concentration is added towater, the resulting solution freezes and melts cleanly at a constanttemperature, releasing and storing large amounts of energy as it doesso. This temperature is called the eutectic point and the composition iscalled a eutectic solution. This is represented in the simplified graphshown in FIG. 36. The curved line on the graph of FIG. 36 represents thefreezing curve. Starting from the left of the curve, the composition is100% water and the freezing point is 0° C. (32° F.). As salt is added,the freezing point of the salt/water mixture decreases. When freezingoccurs in this section of the graph, only pure water freezes out ofsolution and the salt remains in solution. If more salt is added, thefreezing point depresses further until the eutectic point is reached atthe lowest freezing point on the curve. Some PCMs are a gel. PCMs can bemade of sodium polyacrylate, salt hydrates, or paraffins which are highmolecular mass hydrocarbons with a waxy consistency at room temperature.Paraffins are made up of straight chain hydrocarbons and vegetable basedPCMs. Below is a list of sub-zero eutectic PCM solutions with phasechanges ranging from 0 to −114° C.

Phase Change Latent Heat PCM Temperature Density Capacity Type (° C.) (°F.) (kg/m3) (lb/ft3) (kJ/kg) Btu/lb) E0 0 32 1,000 62.4 332 143 E-2 −2.028 1,070 66.8 306 132 E-3 −3.7 25 1,060 66.2 312 134 E-6 −6.0 21 1,11069.3 275 118 E-10 −10.0 14 1,140 71.2 286 123 E-11 −11.6 11 1,090 68.0301 129 E-12 −12.3 10 1,110 69.3 250 108 E-14 −14.8 5 1,220 76.2 243 105E-15 −15.0 5 1,060 66.2 303 130 E-19 −18.7 −2 1,125 70.2 282 121 E-21−20.6 −5 1,240 77.4 263 113 E-22 −22.0 −8 1,180 73.7 234 101 E-26 −26.0−15 1,250 78.0 280 112 E-29 −29.0 −20 1,420 88.6 222 95 E-32 −32.0 −261,290 80.5 243 105 E-34 −33.6 −28 1,205 75.2 240 103 E-37 −36.5 −341,500 93.6 213 92 E-50 −49.8 −58 1,325 82.7 218 94 E-75 −75.0 −103 90256.3 102 44 E-78 −78.0 −108 880 54.9 115 49 E-90 −90.0 −130 786 49.1 9039 E-114 −114.0 −173 782 48.8 107 46 Specific Heat Thermal VolumetricHeat Capacity Conductivity PCM Capacity (kJ/kg (W/m (Btu/ft2 Type(MJ/m3) (Btu/ft3) K) (Btu/lb° F.) K) h ° F.) E0 332 8,911 4.186 0.9920.580 0.335 E-2 327 8,777 3.80 0.900 0.580 0.335 E-3 331 8,884 3.840.910 0.600 0.347 E-6 305 8,186 3.83 0.907 0.560 0.324 E-10 326 8,7503.33 0.789 0.560 0.324 E-11 328 8,804 3.55 0.841 0.570 0.329 E-12 2787,462 3.47 0.822 0.560 0.324 E-14 296 7,945 3.51 0.832 0.530 0.306 E-15321 8,616 3.87 0.917 0.530 0.306 E-19 344 9,233 3.29 0.779 0.580 0.335E-21 326 8,750 3.13 0.741 0.510 0.295 E-22 276 7,408 3.34 0.791 0.5700.329 E-26 325 8,723 3.67 0.869 0.580 0.335 E-29 264 7,086 3.69 0.8740.640 0.370 E-32 313 8,401 2.95 0.699 0.560 0.324 E-34 286 7,676 3.050.723 0.540 0.312 E-37 302 8,106 3.15 0.746 0.540 0.312 E-50 283 7,5963.28 0.777 0.560 0.324 E-75 92 2,469 2.43 0.576 0.170 0.098 E-78 1012,716 1.96 0.464 0.140 0.081 E-90 71 1,906 2.56 0.606 0.140 0.081 E-11484 2,255 2.39 0.566 0.170 0.098

Compressor 980

If desired, a conventional reciprocating compressor (e.g., the TecumsehTC1413U-DS7C compressor) may be used for compressor 980 of refrigerationunit 925. Alternatively, rotary compressors (e.g., such as those made byAspen Systems, Samsung and Rigid) may be used for compressor 980 ofrefrigeration unit 925. Alternatively, a

Direct Current Compressor R290-12-24 V by Danfoss with evaporatingtemperatures ranging from −40° C. to 10° C. may be used.

Tubing for the Refrigeration Cycle

As noted above, refrigeration unit 925 circulates refrigerant fromcompressor 980, through condenser 985, through an expansion valve (notshown) located downstream of the condenser, and through an evaporator(not shown) located at reservoir 955 of coolant unit 920. In one form ofthe invention, conventional refrigeration tubing is used to transfer therefrigerant between the various components of refrigeration unit 925. Inanother form of the invention, and looking now at FIG. 37, a coaxialrefrigeration tube may be used to transfer the refrigerant between thevarious components of refrigeration unit 925, whereby to gain enhancedrefrigeration efficiency.

One Preferred Arrangement for Cooling a Pod Disposed in the Nest

In one preferred form of the invention, where nest 915 is cooled using aeutectic solution contained in one or more containers at nest 915, bothcoolant unit 920 and the eutectic solution container(s) are able tostore “cold” so as to increase the efficiency of system 900. Moreparticularly, compressor 980 drives refrigerant through reservoir 955 ofcoolant unit 920 so as to cool the coolant in reservoir 955, whereby tostore “cold” in reservoir 955. The coolant in reservoir 955 is thendriven to the eutectic solution container(s) in nest 915 by circulationmotor 960 of coolant unit 920 so as to cool the eutectic solution,whereby to store additional “cold” in the nest. See FIG. 37A. In thisway, multiple batches of frozen confection may be made in successioninasmuch as there is sufficient “cold” stored in the system to allow forcooling of multiple pods without having to wait for refrigeration unit925 to cool multiple batches of frozen confection. Additionally,compressor 980 does not need to be constantly running in order formultiple batches of frozen confection to be made.

Direct Expansion Refrigeration of Nest 915

In a preferred form of the invention, refrigeration unit 925 is used tocool the coolant in reservoir 955 of coolant unit 920, and coolant unit920 is used to cool nest 915 (or the eutectic solution contained in oneor more containers at nest 915), whereby to cool a pod 910 disposed innest 915. However, if desired, a direct expansion system may be used tocool nest 915. A direct expansion system eliminates the use of asecondary coolant loop (i.e., the coolant loop of coolant unit 920) anduses the refrigerant of refrigeration unit 925 to directly cool nest 915via a cold plate. The cold plate can be customized to generate a veryhigh heat flux, operating at temperatures well below ambient. In thecold plate of a direct expansion system, the refrigerant fromrefrigeration unit 925 undergoes an isothermal phase change, offeringtight temperature control across the cold plate. As seen in FIG. 38, adirect expansion system consists of the basic 4 components of a vaporcompression refrigeration system: a compressor, a condenser, anexpansion valve, and an evaporator. In a direct expansion system, theevaporator absorbs heat directly from nest 915. Inasmuch as no secondarycoolant loop is required (i.e., coolant unit 920 is eliminated), minimalparts are needed in the direct expansion system. No fans are required tocirculate cool air and no pump is required to circulate the coolant,which simplifies system construction and improves system efficiency.

Another Preferred Arrangement for Cooling a Pod Disposed in the Nest

In another preferred form of the invention, at least one containerholding a eutectic solution is disposed adjacent to the pod seat of nest915. Refrigeration unit 925 is used to directly cool the eutecticsolution to the point of freezing. In this form of the invention,coolant unit 920 is eliminated. Compressor 980 drives refrigerantdirectly through nest 915 so as to cool the eutectic solution in thecontainer(s) adjacent to the pod seat in nest 915, whereby to store“cold” in the nest. See FIG. 38A. In this way, multiple batches offrozen confection may be made in succession as there is sufficient“cold” stored in the nest to allow for cooling of multiple pods withouthaving to wait for refrigeration unit 925 to cool multiple batches offrozen confection. Additionally, compressor 980 does not need to beconstantly running in order for multiple batches of frozen confection tobe made.

Pod 910

Pod 910 is generally similar to pod 30 described above, except that pod910 has its cap permanently fixed in place and is sealed shut. In thepreferred form of the invention, pod 910 is provided as a single use,disposable pod, i.e., a new pod is used for each serving of the frozenconfection (or hot or cold beverage). However, it should be appreciatedthat, if desired, pod 910 may be provided as a multi-use, reusable pod,i.e., a pod may be reused (after filling with fresh ingredients) toprovide additional servings of the frozen confection (or hot or coldbeverage). Where pod 910 is reusable, the cap of the pod is selectivelyremovable from the remainder of the pod.

Pod 910 is provided with an inner scraper paddle made of plastic whichis configured to eject the frozen confection out the bottom of the podby reversing the direction of the inner scraper paddle. The innerscraper paddle can be made by injection molding or 3D printing.

More particularly, and looking now at FIGS. 35, 35B, 39-42, 42A and 42B,pod 910 generally comprises a canister 990, an internal scraper paddleassembly 995 and a cap 1000.

Canister 990 is tapered (preferably frustoconical) and comprises a floor1005 and a side wall 1010 upstanding therefrom. In one form of theinvention, tapered canister 990 comprises a smaller floor 1005, a largercap 1000 and a tapered side wall 1010 extending between the smallerfloor 1005 and the larger cap 1000. In one preferred form of theinvention, tapered canister 990 is frustoconical. Note that the taper ofcanister 990 matches the taper of nest 915, so that pod 910 can make aclose fit within nest 915, whereby to facilitate excellent heat transferbetween the pod and the nest.

In another form of the invention, tapered side wall 1010 has a taper ofapproximately 5 degrees or greater.

Canister 990 has an opening 1015 in its base. A nozzle 1020 is formedadjacent to opening 1015. A sliding gate 1025 selectively opens orcloses opening 1015 as will hereinafter be discussed. A stop 1030 isformed on floor 1005 to limit movement of sliding gate 1025.

In one form of the invention, tapered side wall 1010 has a uniformthickness along its length.

In another form of the invention, tapered side wall 1010 has a thicknesswhich varies along its length. More particularly, tapered side wall 1010may be thinner adjacent to the smaller floor 1005 and may be thickeradjacent to the larger cap 1000, such that the pod ingredients willfreeze faster adjacent to smaller floor 1005 than the pod ingredientswill freeze adjacent to larger cap 1000.

It should be appreciated that providing canister 990 with a tapered sidewall 1010 is important for creating good surface contact between pod 910and nest 915 (i.e., between tapered side wall 1010 of pod 910 andtapered side wall 953 of nest 915). Providing a close fit between pod910 and nest 915 is critical for adequate heat transfer from nest 915 topod 910 in order to efficiently freeze the contents of pod 910. Itshould also be appreciated that providing canister 990 with a taperedside wall 1010 focuses the contents of the pod so that the contents movetoward opening 1015 in canister 990 of pod 910. Specifically, when pod910 is used to make a frozen confection, tapered side wall 1010 focusesthe frozen confection as it freezes toward opening 1015 and out nozzle1020.

Canister 990 preferably comprises a thin side wall formed out of amaterial which has high heat transfer capability, e.g., a thin metal, athin plastic, etc. Canister 990 is preferably 50-500 microns thick so asto provide a high heat transfer rate between nest 915 and pod 910.Canister 990 is also preferably somewhat deformable so that canister 990has some ability to expand against nest 915, whereby to ensure high heattransfer between the pod and the nest.

Internal scraper paddle assembly 995 comprises a plurality of scraperblades 1035 which have a generally helical configuration. In one form ofthe invention, the scrapper blades 1035 can have a rubber squeegee onthe ends of the blades so as to better conform to and scrape the innerwall of pod 910. Preferably openings 1040 are formed in scraper blades1035. Internal scraper blade assembly 995 also comprises anupwardly-projecting stem 1045 which can rotate at speeds from 10 to 400RPM.

Cap 1000 is secured to (i.e., permanently fixed to) canister 990. Cap1000 comprises an opening 1050 for admitting fluids (e.g., liquid orair) into the interior of canister 990 and an opening 1055 forpermitting upwardly-projecting stem 1045 to project out of the interiorof canister 990.

Cap 1000 and floor 1005 can be made of insulating materials or coatedwith insulating materials, e.g., aerogels.

Prior to use, opening 1015 in floor 1005, and opening 1050 in cap 1000,are closed off with rupturable membranes.

As a result of the foregoing construction, when upwardly-projecting stem1045 is turned in a first (counterclockwise) direction, sliding gate1025 is urged into its closed configuration and the contents of pod 910are forced upward toward cap 1000. When upwardly-projecting stem 1045 isturned in the opposite (clockwise) direction and rotated at speedsranging from 10 to 400 RPM, sliding gate 1025 is urged into its openconfiguration and the contents of pod 910 are forced downward, againstfloor 1005 of canister 990, whereupon the rupturable membrane coveringopening 1015 in floor 1005 fails, allowing the contents of pod 910 toexit through opening 1015 and thus nozzle 1020.

In another form of the invention, nozzle 1020, sliding gate 1025 andstop 1030 may be omitted, and opening 1015 may be closed off with aremovable seal 1060 (see FIG. 42A). In this form of the invention, asinternal scraper paddle assembly 995 is turned in one direction, thecontents of the pod are forced downward (via plurality of scraper blades1035) until the churning contents hit floor 1005, and then the contentsmove upward within the pod (see FIG. 42B), with openings 1040 ofplurality of scraper blades 1035 facilitating the upward rise of thecontents of the pod. Note that the contents of the pod are also forcedin a radially-outward direction during mixing, which helps apply aradially-outward force to tapered side wall 953 of nest 915, which helpsseating of the tapered side wall 1010 of pod 910 against the taperedside wall 953 of nest 915, which enhances heat transfer between the podand the nest. When the contents of the pod are to be released, removableseal 1060 is removed, and the contents of the pod exit through opening1015. Note that in this form of the invention, the direction of turningscraper blades 1035 does not need to be reversed when discharging thefrozen confection from the pod.

In one preferred form of the invention, pod 910 may comprise multiplecompartments or zones that house different contents, i.e., powder icecream in one zone and a cream or milk or water in a second zone. Whenthe lid of machine 905 closes, the separating membrane between zones canpuncture or rupture allowing the various contents to mix.

Close Fit Between Pod 910 and Nest 915

In practice, it has been found that providing a close fit between pod910 and nest 915 facilitates rapid heat transfer between pod 910 andnest 915, and hence enables faster production of a single serving of afrozen confection. Such a close fit may be provided in a variety ofways.

By way of example but not limitation, pod 910 could include screwthreads (not shown) on the outside surface of canister 990 and nest 915could include counterpart screw threads (not shown) on the surfaces ofrecess 935 of nest 915, such that pod 910 can be screwed into closecontact with nest 915.

By way of further example but not limitation, frustoconical canister 990of pod 910 could have an incline, and frustoconical recess 935 of nest915 could have a corresponding incline, such that when the lid assemblyof machine 905 is closed, pod 910 is driven downward into a close fitwith nest 915.

By way of still further example but not limitation, pod 910 may beconfigured so that when a force is applied to the upper end of pod 910,pod 910 expands slightly so as to bring itself into closer proximitywith recess 935 of nest 915.

Or a pressurized fluid (e.g., air, CO₂ or Nitrogen) may be injected intothe interior of pod 910 so as to swell the side wall of canister 990 ofpod 910 into closer proximity to recess 935 of nest 915.

By way of further example but not limitation, recess 935 of nest 915could comprise a flexible bladder 1065 (FIG. 43) for receiving canister990 of pod 910, such that the flexible bladder makes a close fit with apod 910 disposed in nest 915.

By way of further example but not limitation, recess 935 of nest 915could comprise a magnetic material for receiving a ferrous alloy (i.e.,steel) canister 990 of pod 910, such that pod 910 is magnetically pulledinto nest 915 so as to make a close fit with a pod 910 disposed in nest915.

Contents of Pod 910

The contents of pod 910 may be the same as the contents of pod 30discussed above.

It should also be appreciated that, if desired, pod 910 may have aconventional yogurt product (e.g., yogurt in a gel-like form) sealedtherein, such that novel system 900 thereafter forms frozen yogurt fordispensing into a container (e.g., a bowl, a cone, etc.).

Furthermore, if desired, pod 910 may contain liquid ingredients which,when cooled and agitated, form the desired frozen confection. In thisform of the invention it may not be necessary to pump any furtheringredients into the pod in order to create the desired frozenconfection.

In addition to the foregoing, if desired, and looking now at FIG. 44,“bubble beads” (e.g., an encapsulant surrounding CO₂ or N₂) may becontained in the ingredients disposed within pod 910. This encapsulantis selected so that when water is added to the interior of pod 910, theencapsulant dissolves, releasing the CO₂ or N₂ and creating a “fizz” inthe frozen confection.

It is also anticipated that pod 910 may comprise the contents necessaryto make a frozen protein shake, e.g., a whey protein powder, a caseinprotein powder, a pea protein powder, a soy protein powder, etc.,essentially any powder which, when mixed with water and chilled, willmake a frozen protein shake.

In one preferred form of the invention, where a frozen protein shake isto be produced, the contents of pod 910 may be:

3-10% milk fat such as cream, plastic cream, butter, anhydrous milkfat/butter oil, nondairy fat such as palm oil, palm kernel oil, coconutoil and other safe and suitable vegetable oils;

9-15% milk solids non-fat (MSNF) such as concentrated(condensed/evaporated) milk, sweetened condensed milk, milk powder, skimor whole sweet cream buttermilk, concentrated or dried whey,concentrated or dried, milk protein concentrates whey proteinconcentrates or isolates hydrolyzed or modified milk proteins, sodiumcaseinate;

4-14% sugar and corn syrup sweetener ingredients; up to 0.5% stabilizersor thickeners such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (cellulose gun),guar gum, locust bean gum, sodium alginate, propylene glycol alginate,xanthan, carrageenan, modified starches, microcrystalline cellulose(cellulose gel), gelatin, calcium sulfate, propylene glycol monostearateor other monoesters, and others;

up to 0.5% emulsifiers such as mono- and diglycerides, distilledmonoglycerides (saturated or unsaturated), polyoxyethylene sorbitanmonostearate (60) or monooleate (80), and others; and

have 5 to 60 grams of protein in the form of whey, casein, pea, soy andor a combination of said proteins.

In each 3-8 ounce serving of frozen protein shake, there ideally wouldbe greater than 10 grams of protein and less than 200 calories.

Further examples of the pod ingredients can include the following softserve ice cream powder, powder yogurt, powder shake mix, liquid slushmix, powder coffee base mix, powder smoothie mix, powder or liquid lowsweet neutral base and premium neutral base ingredients are listedbelow:

Item# Type Manufacturer SOFT SERVE Dole Vanilla Soft D500 PowderPrecision Foods Serve Dole Chocolate soft D510 Powder Precision FoodsServe Frostline Vanilla D400 Powder Precision Foods Soft Serve FrostlineChocolate D410 Powder Precision Foods Soft Serve Frostline Vanilla DL28Liquid Precision Foods Soft Serve (RTU) Frostline Chocolate DL27 LiquidPrecision Foods Soft Serve (RTU) FROZEN YOGURT Frostline Vanilla Y800Powder Precision Foods Yogurt Frostline Chocolate Y810 Powder PrecisionFoods Yogurt SHAKES Frostline Vanilla D425 Powder Precision Foods ShakeMix SLUSH Flavor Burst Premium FLA NB-3 Liquid Flavor Burst Neutral BaseCompany 6 half-gallon jugs per case - 1:5 mixing ration FROZEN COFFEESJavaLatte Coffee Base FLA-JL-2 Powder Flavor Burst requires soft serviceCompany mix - see available soft serve mixes above SMOOTHIES FrostlineSmoothie D595 Powder Precision Foods Base Mix FROZEN CARBONATED BEVERAGE(FCB) National Fruits Liquid National Fruit Flavors Flavor Chilly WilleeLiquid Chilly Willee National, Inc FRUIT COCKTAILS - See receipt below!Low Sweet Neutral Powder United Citrus Base Flavor Burst PremiumFLA-NB-3 Liquid Flavor Burst Neutral Base Company

Soft Serve Ice Cream Mix Construction

In another form of the invention, when forming a single serving of softserve ice cream, water supply 70 may be replaced by a cooler (notshown). The cooler may accept a container (e.g., a plastic bottle or aplastic bag) which holds approximately 1.0 liter to approximately 3.0liters of liquid soft serve ice cream mix. In this form of theinvention, pod 910 is used to form the single serving of soft serve icecream, by receiving the liquid soft serve ice cream mix and agitatingthe single serving of soft serve ice cream mix while it is cooling.

It should be appreciated that by injecting a liquid soft serve ice creammix into pod 910, fluid (i.e., air or liquid) does not need to besubsequently injected into the pod in order to create the frozenconfection (i.e., the soft serve ice cream). When pod 910 has beenappropriately cooled, rotation of internal paddle assembly 995 forms asingle serving of soft serve ice cream in pod 910.

Additionally, in this form of the invention, a separate water reservoirtank (not shown) may be provided which is able to pump approximately 0.5ounce to approximately 1.0 ounce of water through the tube connectingthe container (e.g., the plastic bottle or the plastic bag) to the podso as to flush residual liquid soft serve ice cream mix from the tubebefore the next single serving of soft serve ice cream is prepared usingnovel system 900.

Modifications of the Preferred Embodiments

It should be understood that many additional changes in the details,materials, steps and arrangements of parts, which have been hereindescribed and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the presentinvention, may be made by those skilled in the art while still remainingwithin the principles and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for reducing a temperature of liquidingredients in an interior of a pod disposed in an evaporator of amachine; the method comprising: inserting the pod into a receptacledefined by the evaporator, the pod comprising a first end wall, a secondend wall, and a sidewall extending from the first end wall to the secondend wall; engaging a mixing paddle with a driveshaft extending throughan opening in the first end wall of the pod, the mixing paddle locatedinside the pod; rotating the mixing paddle of the pod to forceingredients of the pod downward until contact with the second end wallof the pod churns the ingredients upwards within the pod throughopenings defined in blades of the mixing paddle by operating a motormechanically coupled to the driveshaft; cooling the pod with arefrigeration system of the machine; and increasing overrun volume ofthe ingredients in the pod by mixing air flowing through the opening inthe first end wall of the pod with the ingredients of the pod.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the pod has a wall thickness between 50 and500 microns.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein increasing the overrunvolume comprises increasing the overrun volume by between 10% to 60%. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein cooling the pod comprises cooling the podto a temperature between −40° C. to 0° C.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein cooling the pod comprises using a two-phase refrigerant.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein cooling the pod comprises cooling at least aportion of the ingredients to below zero degrees Celsius in less twominutes.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein rotating the mixing paddleforces the ingredients of the pod radially outward and downward.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the refrigeration system comprises acompressor.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the compressor is a rotarycompressor.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the compressor is areciprocating compressor.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein therefrigeration system comprises at least one of R290, Freon, R134A,R407C, R404A or R410A.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprisingdeforming the pod to provide for close contact with the evaporator. 13.The method of claim 12, wherein deforming the pod comprises expandingthe pod against the evaporator.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein thepod has a wall thickness between 50 and 500 microns.
 15. The method ofclaim 1, wherein operating the machine uses a power of less than 1,800watts.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the evaporator comprisesaluminum.
 17. The method of claim 1, further comprising dispensing theingredients from the pod by rotating the mixing paddle.
 18. The methodof claim 17, wherein dispensing the ingredients from the pod comprisesflowing air through the opening in the first end wall of the pod to theinterior of the pod.
 19. A method for providing cooled food or drink,the method comprising: inserting a pod containing one or moreingredients and a paddle into a recess of an evaporator of a machine forproviding the cooled food or drink, the pod comprising a floor, asidewall extending from the floor to define an open end opposite thefloor, and a lid attached to the sidewall extending across the open enddefined by the sidewall; connecting a motor of the machine to the paddleby a shaft extending through an opening defined in the lid of the pod;rotating the paddle inside the pod to mix air flowing into the podthrough the opening in the lid with the ingredients to increase a volumeof the ingredients of the pod by forcing the ingredients of the poddownward until contact with floor of the pod churns the ingredientsupward within the pod through openings defined in the paddle; anddispensing the ingredients from the pod through an opening in the flooras air flows into the pod though the opening in the lid.
 20. The methodof claim 19, wherein rotating the paddle inside the pod to mix airflowing into the pod through the opening in the lid with the ingredientsincreases the volume by between 10% to 60%.
 21. The method of claim 19,wherein cooling the pod comprises cooling the pod to a temperaturebetween −40° C. to 0° C.
 22. The method of claim 19, wherein cooling thepod comprises using a two-phase refrigerant.
 23. The method of claim 19,wherein cooling the pod comprises cooling at least a portion of theingredients of the pod to below zero degrees Celsius in less twominutes.
 24. The method of claim 19, wherein rotating the paddle forcesthe ingredients of the pod radially outward and downward.
 25. The methodof claim 19, further comprising deforming the pod to provide for closecontact with the evaporator.
 26. The method of claim 25, whereindeforming the pod comprises expanding the pod against the evaporator.27. The method of claim 26, wherein the pod has a wall thickness between50 and 500 microns.
 28. The method of claim 19, wherein operating themachine uses a power of less than 1,800 watts.
 29. The method of claim19, wherein a refrigeration system comprises a rotary compressor. 30.The method of claim 19, wherein a refrigeration system comprises atleast one of R290, Freon, R134A, R407C, R404A or R410A.
 31. A method forproviding cooled food or drink, the method comprising: inserting a podcontaining one or more ingredients into a recess of an evaporator of amachine for providing the cooled food or drink, the pod comprising afloor, a sidewall extending from the floor to define an open endopposite the floor, and a cap attached to the sidewall extending acrossthe open end defined by the sidewall; cooling the pod with arefrigeration system of the machine; rotating a paddle in the pod usinga shaft extending through an opening in the cap; and dispensing thecooled food or drink through an opening in the floor of the pod; whereinrotating the paddle forces the ingredients of the pod radially outwardand downward helping seat the sidewall of the pod against theevaporator; and wherein rotating the paddle inside the pod mixes airflowing into the pod through the opening of a hole in the cap with theingredients to increase a volume of the ingredients of the pod.